WARMING BY RUSSIA

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20953, 4 November 1939, Page 7

WARMING BY RUSSIA

ALLEGED THREAT BY FINLAND CRITICISM OF THE ALLIED POWERS SAID TO HAVE PROVOKED THE WAR (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) Received Nov. 4, 11 a.m.) MOSCOW, Nov. 3 A radio morning bulletin lengthily quoted the Pravda’s declaration that Dr. Erkko, Finnish Foreign Minister, followed up M. Molotoff’s speech with what was in fact “an appeal to war against Russia,” although common-sense should have obliged the Finns to come to an arrangement with the Soviet.” “Some Finnish leaders,” it continued, “do not want a treaty. A section of the Finnish press is distorting the Soviet aims. Finland’s precautions are only taken by countries which are preparing for war. “Dr. Erkko delivered a direct threat against Russia. Colonel Beck, Polish Foreign Minister, recently spoke in the same spirit and by the same methods provoked war with Germany. “The Powers on whom Finland is relying provoked the present war and tried to involve us. These same Powers provoked Poland to march into the war.” MOSCOW, Nov. 3 The Pravda, in attacking Sweden for supporting Finland, asserts that the Swedish politicians are under the orders of their western bosses. It adds that sooner or later events will be prepared for pressure on Sweden and Norway. Russia would cast to the devil all political gamblers’ games and tread its own path, despite everything, smashing every obstacle en route to its goal.